Drug interactions
Flurazepam + Nortriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Flurazepam and Nortriptyline: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Flurazepam and nortriptyline both cause sedation, and its long-acting metabolite can accumulate, especially in older patients. The combination raises the risk of daytime drowsiness, falls, cognitive impairment and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flurazepam and Nortriptyline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A potentiation and tricyclic sedative properties.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time, and avoid the combination in older adults where possible. Counsel patients about driving and reduce doses if sedation persists.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Flurazepam with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Flurazepam and Nortriptyline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Flurazepam and nortriptyline both cause sedation, and its long-acting metabolite can accumulate, especially in older patients. The combination raises the risk of daytime drowsiness, falls, cognitive impairment and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Flurazepam and Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time, and avoid the combination in older adults where possible. Counsel patients about driving and reduce doses if sedation persists.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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